LeasideLife issue 26 final Feb_LeasideLifev1 14-02-20 10:03 AM Page 1
No. 26 • March 2014 leasidelifenews.com
A challenge to debate Page 28
Is the new Laird battering Bayview? DEBATE: Kettel vs. Ashworth, Pages 20-21
‘Bayview is heading for a depression’ By PATRICIA PHENIX
“Bayview is in a recession and is heading for a depression. Unless Leasiders shop regularly on this street, it will be gone, and soon.” That is the grim forecast of Nancy Penny, owner of Absolute Beauty, a skin-care salon on Bayview Ave. Penny has operated her business for over 34 years and has watched at least seven stores close over the past year, including most recently the restaurant Chai, Yeh! and The Mad Italian. She predicts many more will follow. “Bayview used to be prestigious, now it’s not. I have never in my life seen the lack of people on the street.” She particularly mourns the loss of boutique stores. “The more the interesting little stores go, the more people come at night. There are simply fewer people during the day.” Penny attributes the business failures primarily to high rents. “The landlords are greedy. What people don’t realize is that tenants must pay for everyBAYVIEW, Page 8